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Physics

PY 108 Nature of Waves and Nature of Science (4)
This course will introduce students to the physics concepts behind light and sound. It is designed as an introductory course and assumes no previous physics. The course will also expose students to principles of scientific investigation, aspects of the process of science and aspects of the nature of scientific knowledge to develop students’ understanding of science as a human endeavor.

PY 181 General Physics I (4)
Mechanics, heat, and sound. Three class hours and one two-hour laboratory per week. Students with sufficient mathematical prerequisites for PY 201 are strongly encouraged to take PY 201 instead. Prerequisite: one semester of college mathematics at the level of MA 133 or higher, with a grade of C or better. Offered fall semesters.

PY 182 General Physics II (4)
A continuation of PY 181 covering electricity, magnetism, and light. Three class hours and one two-hour laboratory per week. Students with sufficient mathematical prerequisites for PY 202 are strongly encouraged to take PY 202 instead. Prerequisite: PY 181 with grade of ‘C’ or above. Offered spring semesters.

PY 201 College Physics I (5)
Fundamental for work in advanced physics, engineering, chemistry, and applications of mathematics and computer science. Covers mechanics and heat with the use of calculus. Four class hours and one two-hour laboratory period per week. Corequisite: MA 223. Offered fall semesters.

PY 202 College Physics II (5)
A continuation of PY 201 covering electricity, magnetism, and light with the use of calculus. Four class hours and one two-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: PY 201 with a grade of ‘C’ or above. Offered spring semesters.

PY 306 Modern Physics (4)
Einstein’s theory of special relativity, wave – particle duality of matter and light, quantum mechanics, and particle physics. Includes one three-hour laboratory period per week.

PY 411 Senior Seminar I (2)
The first half of the Physics senior seminar experience. Students develop lab-based or expository projects which include literature review and interdisciplinary aspects. Prerequisite: senior standing and two 300-level physics courses.

PY 412 Senior Seminar II (2)
The second of a two-semester sequence of 2-credit hour courses which together make up the senior seminar. Students continue to work independently on research projects (lab-based or expository) under the supervision of a faculty member. The projects will include an interdisciplinary component developed with the aid of the instructor. Prerequisite: PY411.

PY 463, 464 Internship in Physics (2 - 8)
Students spend an entire summer or academic semester as interns in physics/engineering research projects at Argonne National Laboratory, other government agencies or in the private sector. Prerequisite: Approval of department chair and on-site supervisor.